Washing and drying apparatus



March 1954 c. BOWMAN ET AL 2,671,240

WASHING AND DRYING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 21, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 2;

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INVENTORS 1954 c. L. BOWMAN ETAL 2,671,240

WASHING AND DRYING APPARATUS ATTORNEY March 9, 1954 c. BOWMAN ET ALWASHING AND DRYING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 21, 1949 T mmmWW6 2 :2 w;

If BY gym %omws March 9, 1954 c. BOWMAN ErAL 2,671,240

WASHING AND DRYING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 21, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 5ass-=15- .INVENTORS fa /e465 LE0 W/vmv firm/m0 M. fanvasraea WndATTORNEYS Patented Mar. 9, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WASHING ANDDRYING APPARATUS Michigan Application December 21, 1949, Serial No.134,236

13 Claims. 1

This invention relates to washing and drying devices, and morespecifically to mechanical means for cooperatively advancing, washing,drying and polishing produce containers through combined elementsgathered to perform the functions in a minimum of time and with minimaloutput.

In the manufacture of container washing and drying machines, it is knownthat conveyor elements may be devised to advance containers through aseries of related steps for washing, drying and otherwise treatingcontainer surfaces. Elements hitherto employed in devices of this typehave been coordinated so that the passage of a container through theseries of steps incorporated in the machine effects the functionsdesired with little or no deviation or halt to process. It is ofimportance to realize, however, that few if any machines have beendevised wherein the timing of the various operating elements of themachine is sufliciently coordinated to enable the rapid advancement ofcontainers through the machine to such an extent that production of thetreated containers may be substantially augmented above that productionreturn formerly acknowledged as average. To effect overall cleaning andrinsing, present structures generally employ container cleansing'apparatus separate from drying means which drying means oftenincorporate blotting elements,

requiring constant maintenance. The problem of rapidly drying containersprior to labelling has provided difilcult of solution, since devices andmethods formerly used have been of inefficient and expensiveconstruction. It is well known, for instance, that application ofpneumatic pressure to container exteriors cannot of itself completelydry containers unless extreme and prolonged application thereof is made.

It is an object of this invention to provide a unique and unitarystructure having varying sources of operational output, each of which isadapted to cooperate with the other to perform washing, cleansing,drying and polishing, wherein the entire effect may be continuouslyperformed within a minimum of space and within minimum timerequirements.

A further object of the invention is to provide the machine havingsynchronous relation between the operational elements thereof, each ofthe elements of advancing, washing, drying, polishing and heating, ifemployed incorporating a minimum of apparatus for performing the severalfunctions, thereby decreasing cost of operation and manufacture of themachine to a minimum.

Still another object of the invention is to provide means for theremoval of cleansing fluid from containers wherein each of the elementsemployed in pneumatic removal is related to others and to othermechanical elements of the machine in such a manner that maximumutilization of a single source of thermal blast may be accomplished.

It is another object of this invention to provide a machine which isadapted to wash, rinse, dry and warm, if desired the exterior surfacesof a container wherein rotatable brush elements cooperate each with theother and with pneumatic cleaning fluid removing elements to effectejection of cleansing fluids from the container surfaces and wherein therotating brushes may simultaneously centrifugally cleanse themselves.

With a view toward attaining the foregoing objects and others which maybe apparent through reference to the ensuing description, drawings andclaims appended hereto, a brief description of the general nature of theinvention is hereinafter set forth.

Broadly, a rectangularly disposed longitudinal frame structure havinginclined upper beams is provided as a base for the working elements ofthe device. A gravitational introducing ramp is secured at a lowerextremity of the frame structure, approximately one-fifth the distancefrom lowest point of slope upward. Uncleaned containers are set hereinfor commencement of movement longitudinally of the structure and througha preliminary cleansing or rinsing operation. Each of the elementsforming the cleansing station is adapted to thoroughly clean allsurfaces of the containers. Upon forcible advancement of the containersthrough this station, means are provided on the ramp for the removal ofmisplaced containers which might otherwise foul the means for advancingcontainers throughout the succeeding stations of operation of themachine.

Succeeding the gravitational ramp, a conveyor is disposed on the frameto receive each of the containers, to separate them into a channelwherein further operation upon the surfaces of the containers is to beeffected, and to advance containers longitudinally of the machine.

Several series of pneumatic manifolds are secured at strategic stationson the machine, each of which serves to progressively force cleansingfluids from various surfaces of the containers. Each of the pneumaticinstruments, save the first in line, has jets of varying length whichcooperate with each other and with other instruments of the machine toforce fluids from containers.

Along the path of movement of the containers and in cooperative relationwith the aforementioned blower manifolds, is displaced a series ofbrusher elements, each of which acts upon one of the three main surfacesof the containers as they are advanced through the device. The brushesremove excessive accumulation of fluid not removable by the manifoldassemblies. The bruhes cleanse themselves during operation.

Pneumatic means are provided in following line for the final removal ofexcessive cleansing fluid particles from the containers.

A still further series of brush elements is provided longitudinally ofthe aforementioned elements and in the path of movement of thecontainers, the latter series of brush elements serving to engage theexterior surfaces of the container, to polish the same to a high luster.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a view in side elevation of forward elements of theinvention;

Figure 2 is a view in side elevation of rearward elements of theinvention taken along the same continuous line as the elements shown inFigure 1;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the forward ele ments of the invention;

Figure 4 is a top plan View of the invention showing the rearwardelements of the invention taken along a continuous line from theelements shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a view in perspective of two basic manifolds adapted toremove fluids from containers;

Figure 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a typical manifoldshowing the particular structure of jet attachment to the manifold; andFigure 7 is a View in vertical cross-section of a brush assembly showingthe interconnection between the brushing elements and the driving means.

A preferred rectangular structure it is shown to rest on vertical legs il disposed longitudinally thereof and at the four corners of therectangular frame structure. Extending longitudinally of the rectangleare a pair of beams l2 secured to the legs H. A pair of transverse beams13 is secured to the extensions of beams i2 and likewise to the fourlegs H as by nut and bolt attachment. The beams i2 and 13 provide a basefor the inclined frame structure on which the working elements of thewashing and drying device are supported. An inclined frame i l issupported by the base H3 at one longitudinal extremity as by theadjustable supports it, and at the other by a hinge is extendingtransversely of the frame and attached to lower transverse beam 13 bywelding or other suitable means. Four or more vertical supports H whichsupport the center portions of inclined frame I4 derive support fromattachment to the longitudinal beam ii of the base.

Ramp I8 is inclined oppositely from the frame structure l4 and isadjoined thereto at a horizontal distance suificient to enable cleansingof all containers and disposal of certain misplaced containers.Normally, the junction of ramp and frame structure is at a point, onefifth the distance from point of lowest inclination to highestinclination. Upon introduction of upright cylindrical containers intothe device at the mouth of this ramp, introductory conveyor actionforces the containers longitudinally of the device to Working elementsof the invention. The vertical ramp supports 20 are of inverted U-shapedstructure, having extensions which rest upon cross members [9. Eachcross member is secured. to inclined frame M. A series of guide rails 2!disposed in rectangular position comprise the introductory channel forcontainers. These rails generally are six in number; and includecontainer base, cap and twin wall guides. See Figures 1 and 3.

At suitable intervals along the guide rail frame structure a series ofrectangular brackets 22 and 23 serve to maintain the guide rails inuniform spaced relation to each other. Peculiar to the invention,however, is the position in which the guide rails aremaintained.Twisting of the fixedly spaced guide rails from vertical to horizontalprovides a channel which may permit the gravitational movement ofcontainers from normal to lateral position. Such channelling isimportant to over-all cleansing of containers. Twin series of parallelcleansing fiuid jets 24 are placed in juxtaposition to the section ofintroductory ramp lying between vertical and horizontal brackets 22 and23. Support for these jets may be obtained from either ramp or exteriorintroductory piping brackets.

Guide rails originally disposed at vertical side portions of the channelmay, following twisting travel provide channel roof and lower railsections for the lateral rotational movement of containers. At asuitable distance from container axis converter and bracket 23, guiderails 25 are spread laterally of one another to provide an exit opening26 suitable for the passage of misplaced containers, the axes of whichare in alignment with the path formed by the ramp guide.

An auxiliary ramp 2'! is provided immediately beneath the aforementionedspaced portion of the trackage and secured thereto. This ramp is ofgreater declination than that of the introductory ramp. The auxiliaryramp provides for the sliding removal of misplaced containers andgathering of the same into a container receptacle 28 from which themisplaced items may be withdrawn and reinserted into the device.

As shown in Figure 1, the inclined ramp structure terminates course atapproximately onefifth the distance upward the inclinedfraine (4. Rails38 continue the course inwardly of frame It. In order that containersmay be further advanced longitudinally of the device, an endlessconveyor 3| is provided having spaced plate projections 32 secured aboutthe endless conveyor. The conveyor is of suflicient length to allowtravel over four-fifths of the length of the machine and to gather thecontainers prior to termination of course through the introductory ramp.The conveyor may be motivated through any suitable actuating meanshaving a reduction gear unit contained therein to drive a sprocket as at33, the said sprocket having keyed attachment with axle 34. A drivelinkage 3G is adapted to engage a gear 35 which is likewise in keyedattachment to the axle 34. This driving mechanism is attached at thefurthermost extremity of the frame structure and bears in the inclinedlongitudinal frame I4.

Toward the downward extremity of the inclined frame structure and havingbearing therein, an idler 37 is provided for the supported continuationof passage of the conveyor element. Idler unit 3'! is secured to an axle38 which bears in the inclined ramp 14.

As in Figure 1, a timer unit 39, axially mounted forward of the idlerelement at 40 and at a point substantially adjacent to the point ofconvergence of the introductory ramp 24 and the inclined frame structureI4, raises the unsupported section of the conveyor 3|. This timing unitis so carefully placed that the conveyor chain may be lifted upwardlyfrom the idler element onto a guide 29 whereon the conveyor may slidablyride throughout its working course. The timing element likewise pullsthe spaced plate projections 32 gradually upward so that each projectionmay engage a portion of a container wall. The unsupported portion of thechain acts as a resilient cushion for containers being gathered from theramp prior to placement on guides 4|. Pusher plate projections 32 arespaced sufiiciently to prevent jamming of con tainers, and furthersufficiently to enable rotation of the same throughout the remainder ofthe course on guides 4|.

In the invention it is essential that containers advance rotationallywith respect to the working elements of the machine. This phenomenon isespecially pertinent when it is realized that a thorough drying,brushing and polishing operation must be efiected prior to the ejectionof the containers from the device. Thus, spaced projections 32 may bemade generally L-shaped, the bases thereof being of width substantiallygreater than the conveyor. Width of the proj'ections must be at leasttwo-thirds over-all length of containers. Shorter width would causemisplacement. Furthermore, the planular surface of the projections has aV-shaped aperture to enable exposure of cylindrical walls of containersas they roll.

' Several of the operational elements of the device include pneumaticmanifolds which necessarily demand a source of air flow. A conventionalturbo compressor is illustrated in the drawings as at 43, including anelectric motor 44. For purposes of regulating the flow of compressedair, a valve 45 is afiixed to an exhaust manifold of the compressor.From the exhaust manifold there extends longitudinally of the frame acompressed air conductor 46 from which the various ducts of the deviceemanate.

Immediately rearward of the timing element of the conveyor and attachedto the inclined portion of the frame structure a U-shaped manifold 48 isshown having outlets 49 extending upwardly and downwardly of supportrail 29 and between guides 30 at the extremities of arms 50. Figures 1,3, and illustrate the structure. Each of the outlets is directed towarda portion of a guide rail 4! which provides for hearing of sealingelements of duct 41, through outlets 49, toward the irregular surfacesfound at the junction of the cylindrical wall and cap element ofcontainers. Where sufficient width to vents 49 is provided, the removalof accumulations of cleansing fluid from junction of sealing cap andcontainer wall may be physically effected with minimal pressuresconsidering the rotation of the containers during their advance in themachine. Furthermore, the simultaneous blast effect of upper and lowervents on the rotating neck surfaces of containers assures effectivefluid removal. This manifold 48 is secured to the frame structure bysupport bracket 5| as by welding engagement to the frame l4 and thefeeder. Duct 41 emanates from conductor 46.

A major portion of fluid having been removed from the neck of acontainer through a first pneumatic blast, the cooperative dispositionof cal the second manifold jets is important. Longitudinal manifold 53being of general tubular configuration is aifixed to the aforementionedmani fold 48 and is directly in line with the course of travel of theconveyor between guides 4|. Tubular jets 54 are welded to the tubularmanifold structure at acute angle to the axes of con-' tures 55 of jets54 to narrow the same assures breadth of blast which will enable uniformcoverage to a maximum of cylindrical surface of containers. Furthermore,this series of jets is peculiarly designed to cooperate with theaforementioned blasting of the irregular surfaces of the caps of thecontainers, to augment original blast forcing of fluid from the junctionof the container, container cap and container throat. Construction ofthe jet and manifold is best shown in Figure 6. Partial closing andwidening of jets 54 is shown as at 54'.

A duct 58 emanates from the conduit 46 to supply manifold 59, whichmanifold faces oppositely to the aforementioned tubular manifold 53 andis in line therewith. See Figure 3. This latter manifold carries aplurality of tubular jets 69, each of which is of shortened lengthcompared to jets of manifold 53 and subtends an angle substantially moreacute than the aforementioned. This third manifold structure is employedto create turbulences at bases of containers to atomize and dispelresidual fluid from bases of jars subsequent to the first indicated filmremoving means. As in the positioning of each of the other manifolds,the disposition of manifold 59 is critical, being directly proportionateto efficiency of operation. The angular relation of jets of manifold 59is likewise critical.

Although the previously described manifolds are designed to contact thefluid at critical points along the surfaces of containers and to movethesame along the surfaces to point of extremity, the particulararrangement is not adapted to effect the complete removal, foraccumulations will develop at the curvilinear extremity of the base aswell as at the extremities of the circular cap and other surfaces. Dueto tendency of fluids to adhere to smooth surfaces of glass, plastic,and metal containers, the total removal becomes difficult in the absenceof extreme and costly air pressures. To augment the removal of theseexcessive accumulations including remaining films, the inventionincludes a brush assembly comprising a series of rotatable brushes,

the axis of each of which is in line with axis of advance of thecontainers. See Figures 1, 3 and 7. The brush assembly is indicated asat Si in the drawings, each of the separate brushes of the assemblybeing shown as at 62 and 53. The horizontal brushes 62 are adapted toeffect re"- moval of the excessive fluids from the caps and bases ofcontainers, each of these brushes being arranged to rotate downwardlytowards the path of movement of the containers.

The brush 63 may be rotated from top to bottom of the jar as it rotatesin the path of movement of the conveyor. The axles 64 of the brushes areshown to bear in bearings 65 dis-v placed in. triangular relation; over.the path of;v advance; of the conveyor.- Each of the bearings. iissecuredi to an inverted bracket 66-, which bracket provides atriangular or preferably U- shapedopening. for: the passage of thecontainers therethrough. The. brackets 66 are mounted along thebase ofcross members similar tothose; showmas at. l9; which cross members aresecured; to: the inclinedframe members I4. Atone ex tremityyof eachof-the axles 64a series of. SPIOCK' ets 6.1;: secured; through; keyed,engagement to axles. Actuation ofthe; brushes; may be effectedthrough... connection between sprocket and. H107- tor 1.0;, Theparticular arrangementof interconnection between thesprockets and" the;power source is specifically shown in Figure 7.. Here is shown a; chainwound about a driving; sprocket 6910f; the source; lit and over thesprocket 61 of cachet the brushes. In order that this particular arranfiment maybe effected anidler sprocketsfifi'gis borne under the; workingsurface of; the conveyor and brush elements. This idler smock-- et; itprovides a. patlrfor; the chain; element H under thetotal arrangement ofworking partsso; that. over-all rotationof the elements may-beaccomplished in; the; particular manner aforementioned ,without.interference to conveyance of containers. The idler; 68 has. bearing incross memhersfll'... The;two: cross members 12 are secured tothe;inclinedframe structure beneath thflygllidcs and.- working; elements andthese. memsrs.. rm.a-ba e or. hemotor As; shown i i-Figure '7,, thecontainer rotates alone parallel rails 4!.- as his slidably engagedbythe platestl; of. conveyor 3|. amounted rail gives supportto theconveyor-where. required; Guidesiifltsecure the containers againstlateral movement, an inward slopeto the guides 30, per-. n i-itting,unimpeded rotation. of the brushes; in operation The operation. of. theaforementioned brush assembly is; sufficient to eifect a; complete reemoral-of fluidparticles from those surfaces with which. it has contact,It is insufficient, however, t o ;.complete the removal of fluids fromall surfaces; since. there is. normally a. dead area as atthecurvedportion of the base of. containers whereondroplets remain due tothe; actuation of, top brushes. The; top brush of this first series ispreterably; offset toward. the portion of the guidefi'l which bears neckportions ofcontainers.

Brushes-of the assembly strike surfaces of the container tangentiallyand eject fluids in a like manner; The deadarealies upon containersbetween the top cylindrical wall brush and; the;- base; brush.Accumulations resulting; from. tan.- gential ejection; eifect maylee-removed through:

the, cooperative positioning of a manifold 15,,

shown inl figuresz and 4. Similar tothe aforementioned. manifolds andjets attached thereto,. this; manifold-.15, has a series of jets 16,each ofwhichcooperates with the other to impartpneu; matio blastdownwardly to that portion. of the; containers which i not suflicientlydried by the aforementioned operations, designated. as; the curvilinearsurface. Pneumatic supply to theparticular. system is channelled throughduct 13 emanating from the pneumatic air source 43 through the manifold46. Support to. this entirepneumatic. blasting means is derived throughthe adaptation of. the supporting elements 14 whichmay; be secured. totheframe.- structure as by; welding orthrough. any-other suitable.scour:- mgr-means;

It is pertinent to the-invention" to have all:

manifold elements; and the brushing assemblies; placed; substantiallyclose in; the path so that air; dryingof the fluids from the. containersdoes not occur otherwise; than as provided throughthe ejection ofcompressed air'from manifolds and, jeteleinents, If. the. films. offluid on thei exterior-surfaces of the containers be allowed: to drythrOug-hnormal, atmospheric pressure, accumulations of cleansing.particles, would: re,- main on.the;containersrendering impossible. cf:-ficient polishing of the same. to; any suitab1e ,de-- gree For theaforementioned reason, therefore, the specific arrangement shown has.been proved through; experimentation and use. to. be. of. the. utmost,efiiciency in-operation- Shown in Figures 2 and 4 asin line with the.conveyor pathand otherworking, elements there-- on a second seriesofbrushes is received. seriesotbrushes is; indicated as at 11, each ofthebrushes being actuated in a like. manner to the. aforementioned,series.of brushes and. each beingmounted a similar manner; Theseeler ments;are, shown numbered similarly to theaforementioned. first series ofbrushes. Unlike the aforementioned series, however, the: top brushingelement 63 is slightly offset toward the base; of the; jar. toparticularly. assure polishing thereoi.

The; brushes utilized are; of j peculiar construc-- tioir commensuratewithvv maximum efficiencyof operation in; the machine. They arepreferably spiral wound, having; nylon bristles which. are.onrabsorbent. adap ed; t p he fl d ro the surfaces of the containers,and; to remove the fluid from the bristlesof; the brush by con: trifugalaction, ejecting the fluid, from the bristles outwardly; into; theatmosphere, thereby maintainingthe brushes in a state of relative drynss, This particular and, peculiar action, is,- important, for it is in;thismanner that the. brushes are; maintained, irra stateof utility andthatthfi necessity for exchanging, drying. and maintaining the: same is;minimized.

The device is constructed to thoroughly cleanse, dry; and polish from600 to 1000 containers; per minute, the entire; operation being.conducted": without necessity for. intervention. of human. manipulationother than timing of the motivatingmechanism. Containers having been.subjected-to;arelatively thorough washing operation, they-may be movedforwardly; toward. the invention through belt movement. from; a wash-.ingytank. One extremity of; a belt may be, p0 s itioned;to.ride justunder the opening; of the introductory ramp channel formed by the guides2L; Due tothe inclinedattachment of thisin; troductory ramp, containersslidably entering theramp standingpntheirbases, may be-moved downwardlythereof.

Due to the; peculiar. constructionof the-sea ment section of theramp;between the brackets, 22;; and 23;,containersentering the device in; uperight position; are gradually: shiftedso that were anaxis drawn. througlthe; center'of the cylinder. formed bythe container,, it wouldbeshiftedfrom. normal; to; horizontal. position... as; the; container;passes; throughxthis .section; This gradual shift.-. ing; of. thecontainer: is; ne sary. in. that; thorou lr cleansing operation maybethereby: eifectedzi, Jets. of cleansing solutions suchasa hot. Sflfli:water-fluidmay be injected through, the parallel fluid; injectors. 24:upon all-surfaces; the. containers.

Any: containers; which. are introduced other. than: upright: pass:through the aforementionedi section of the introductory ramp and uponpassage through this first section of the ramp may be withdrawn uponentrance into the spread portion of the trackage 25 as at entrance 26.Endwise containers will fall through the exit formed by the spreadportion of traclrage 2E downwardly and will slidably engage a ramp whichis designed to move these containers away from the path of movement ofthe other containers so that the misplaced container may be thereafterreplaced in the forward portion of the ramp in an upright position.

Other containers correctly spaced are forcedly moved downwardly of theramp, each against the other until they arrive at a point just short ofjunction of introductory ramp and opposed inclined frame 14, Asindicated, gathering of the containers for advancement forwardly of thedevice is effected between the idler 31 and timing idler 39 of theconveyor structure. While the containers are yet on the introductoryramp, they are cushioned through the resilient action of the unsupportedsection of the conveyor which lies between idlers 31 and 38 to theextent that the pusher plates 32 will engage the cylindrical walls ofthe several containers in spaced relation, thereby setting them forrotatable advancement. Having been thoroughly gathered adjacent thetiming section, the containers are shifted to the path formed bytrackage 4! so that they may retain rolling engagement therewith. Pusherplates of the conveyor are maintained in upright position by guides 4|which guides provide a track for the rotatable advance of containers.The maintenance of this rolling action is important, for it is throughthis rotary action of the containers that complete effect of the Workinginstruments of the device may be carried into operation.

The removal of accumulations of cleansing fluid from the junction ofsealing caps of containers and container walls presents a particularlydifficult problem. For this reason the pneumatic manifold shown as at 48has opposed vents directed downwardly and upwardly of the path definedby guide trackage M. The vents are turned upon the point at whichjunctions of cap and containers roll past. It has been found thatcompression of air at approximately two pounds through the manifold andvents will be sufficient to effectively remove accumulations from thatsection of the containers rotating beneath the vents. If theseaccumulations were to remain under the surfaces adjacent the overhangingcap portions of containers, they would fall upon removal and uprightpositioning of the containers, thereby leaving undesirable fluids andcleansing salts and dirt on the surfaces thereof, other dryingoperations and polishing operations having been conducted.

, As the containers are advanced longitudinally of the structure throughthe actuation of the conveyor element, they are rotated beneath blastsof air from the graduated jets of manifold structure 53. As has beenindicated before, these jets are peculiarly designed to remove the fluidfrom the neck of the containers outwardly toward the base thereof, eachof the jets having its outlet extremity tapered to form a narrow orificefor the extrusion of compressed air against a maximum of movingcylindrical surfaces of the containers. The construction of the jets issuch that maximum compression will occur at point of extension. Passageunder this longitudinal manifold and the jets attached thereto willshift the 10 film of fluid toward the base, which film may be furtherremoved through operation of an oppositely positioned manifold 59. Thiscooperation between manifolds is essential to operation and whollydependent upon positioning of the elements.

The jets 60 of manifold 59 are directed to the base portions ofcontainers. These jets extrude compressed air against the bases toslough off the excess fluid accumulations. The positioning of thisinstrument is critical to the operation, for the effect of removal wouldbe minimized, should this element not be disposed to function followinother compressed air operations.

Due to the inherent adherent nature of cleansing fluids, it is difficultto completely remove all the fluids from the containers withoutdeveloping extreme pressures of air; rather certain accumulations willnormally remain following the above operation. It has been foundineffectual and somewhat dangerous to subject the containers to heatwhich would sufficiently remove all fluid content from containers, andfor this reason several series of brushing elements have beenincorporated in the device to carry out the function. As the containersare rotated forwardly from the pneumatic fluid removing means, they areimmediately subjected to a brushing operation whereon excessiveaccumulations of fluids not removed in the first phase of operation aresimultaneously removed from cap, base and cylindrical wall portionsthrough the tangential application of rotating brushes to the respectivesurfaces. The brushes being preferably of spiral wound nonabsorbentnylon bristles, such as eject the accumulations of fiuids upon thebristle surfaces thereby avoiding continued replacement of brushes whichare dried. Operation of the brushes, therefore, serves to not onlyremove excessive water accumulations from surfaces of containers, butalso to cleanse the brushes for continued operation throughout longperiods of time.

The positioning of the brushes is particularly important, for ifsubstantial distance exists between the brushing and pneumatic elements,it is possible that air drying of the excessive accumulations ofcleansing fluids would result. thus leaving a residue of cleansingfluids and particles of dirt on the container surfaces. If placed asdescribed, the brushing units are directed to dry those containerportions normally retaining films of fluid following the pneumaticoperations mentioned.

The advantage of this particular arrangement is likewise considered inthe positioning of the pneumatic manifold 14. Due to the inherentconfiguration of certain containers, it is impossible for all of thebrushing surfaces of the brushes to reach curvilinear surfaces of therotating containers. For this reason the proximity of manifold M to thefirst brush assembly is important, for the thinnest films of fluidshould be removed prior to normal evaporation. Direction of the variousjets 16 of manifold 14 to the curvilinear portions of the rotatingconveyors and application of compressed air thereto will effect removalof those accumulations which develop from the aforementioned brushingoperation wherein the dead space between upper and lower brushaccumulates droplets. As the positioning of brushes must of practicalnecessity proximate the first series of pneumatic manifolds, so thepositioning of the fourth-manifold must proximate positioning of thefirst-mentioned brushing series.

#1! Containers are thereafter passed :through :a :second brushingassembly wherein they are polished to ahigh luster, each ofthehrushesqof this series being arranged in triangular :formation abouttheguide l! toimpartpolishingto all three main surfaces of thecontainer. The uppermost brush 63, however, is displaced slightly to oneside of the path of movement of'thecontainersso that the curvilinearportion of the containers may be polished.

The arrangement ofthe parts of the machine .is'peculiarto the invention,for it is this factor which allows the facile and rapid removal ofaccumulations from -:containers, which accumulations have atendency-to-adhere to the :cyliners generally of thesize utilized in thepackaging of-baby'foods and the likait-is to benoted that the specificarrangementof the parts mightbe somewhat altered without departing fromthe spirit of the invention, and further that the .me-thod-employedinthe application of -:the work- .ing elements to the containers -might.he'dupl-icated with modificationsas to-size-and-formation of elementswithout escaping the breadth .set forth. The invention-i to be limitedonly in accordance "with the scope -,described in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A device for cleansing andrdryin-g cylindrical containers includingan inclined frame structure mount defining a path, adecl-ininggravitational container ramp mounted on a lower portion of the framestructure and passing into the path defined by the frame structure,cleansing mea-ns attached to the ramp, conveyor means movably mountedupon the frame structuregpassingalong the upper portion of thelfrarnestructu-re in underlapping and complementary working .relationtosaid ramp and in the same path-to gather-container from the ramp andto rotatably advance containers on their sides along a path formed .bythe frame structure, cleansing fluid removal means on the framedisposedinrline .alongapath of travel of the conveyor means.

2. .In a device for :cleansing and dryinglcylindrical containers, aframe structure defining a path, cleansing .means associated with theframe,

conveyor .means mounted .on the frame, spaced container pusher platesprojecting upwardly .from the conveyor and'extending outwardly from theconveyor, a conveyor supportrail, and a pair of elevated rails in'thesamepath as theconveyor support rail, providing apath for rotatable advancement of containerson their sides, saidelevated rails providing.lateralbearing surfaces for said pusher plates,-means for actuatingtheconveyor to impart rotational advanceto containers, pneumatic means andbrushing means in joint association with one another along the path toeffect successive removal of fluids from rotating containers, the saidpneumatic and brushing means being attached to the jrame .in coopera-CJI 12 tive. relationeach -.to reach rand to advancing aslements of themachine.

3. .In a device for ,cleansinganddryingvcylindrical containers includinga frame structure defining a course, container cleanser means secured tothe frame structure in-the course defmed, conveyor means for rotatablyadvancing icontainers on their sides alonga .coursedefinedaby the frame,pneumatic means mounted on said frame adjacent said-course for removingcleansing fluid from container-surfacescomprising la first pneumaticmanifold having vents directed to neck portions of rotatingcontainersitoremove cleansing fluids therefrom, a-second'manifold :inline with the first manifold, a series of gjets on the second manifoldhaving two sections, each of the jets Within both said series being inline with the other, a first section of jets being-of reduced lengthwith respectto ia second section, said series of jets on said secondmanifold being adapted to-extrude accumulations OlltWfl-YdfflOm .neckportions of containers .to bases thereof, .a thirdmanifold opposed tothesecond and-at the termini thereof, the said third unanifold havingin-line jets directed .to base port-ionsof rotating containers havingaccumulated cleansing rfiuid excesses thereon.

4. In a device forcleansi-ng and dryingeylindrical containers whereincontainers .are rotatably advanced on their sides .along an inclinedframe structure following cleansing, .the combination for removingcleansing fluid-accumulations during such rotation first from the neck,of containers, secondly .to and away from the bases thereof and ofimmediate ejection of excesses-from exposed. surfaces, comprising. aframe structure defining a .course, container-cleansing means secured tothe frame structure .in the course defined, conveyor means mounted iuponthefra-me structure to pass containersalongthe course, a series ofpneumatic jetsdisposed along the .course .in..1ine.each with eachadjacent said .rollin containers and adapted .to successivedriving .offof cleansingfiuids-Irom exposed surfaces .of containersaseriesofrotatahlebrushes along the ..course in line .with thepneumaticjets-and cooperable therewith, the .said series -.of brushes beingadapted .to consecutive .removal of excessive fiuid accumulations fromcontainer -survfaces, compressor means to supply pneumatic compressionpressure to the said "series -of pneumatic jetsandmeans forsimultaneously rotating brushing elements.

Ina device-for dryingcylindrical containers wet with cleansing fluidwherein containers may ..be successively rotatably advanced on theirsides throughtreating stations, aframe structure defining a course,conveyor .means mounted upon .the frame structure to pass containersalong the course, a first station of pneumatic manifolds mounted .uponthe frame structure and along the course to .remove cleansing fiuidaccumulations from exteriors of said rolling containers,asecondstationsecured to ,the frame structure succeeding the first andin line therewith comprising a plurality of rotatable brushes disposedin complementaryrelationship each to the other to remove excessiveresidual cleansing fiuidsfrom surfaces of containers, a third stationmounted upon the frame structure succeeding the second and in line witheach of .the other stations, the said third station including a seriesof pneumatic jets in cooperative relation to the said second brushingstation, each .of .the ,jets 1b eing directed to-efiect removalofdropletsaccumulatedat sur 'faces of containers exposed during passageof fining a course, a container advancing conveyor movably mounted uponthe frame structure and along the course having projections for slidablyengaging cylindrical portions of containers and rotating them past theirstations, rails extending along the paths defined by frame structure tobear the rolling containers along the path, a plurality of pneumaticmanifold means forming complementary stations for the progressiveremoval of cleansing fluids and rotatable brushing means in line withthe pneumatic means forming other stations adapted to dischargeexcessive cleansing fluid accumulations from surfaces of containers towhich accumulations adhere, and to polish containers.

7. In a container washing and drying device having one wa hing stationand a plurality of drying stations assembled on a unitary structure andwhereon. containers may be rotatably advanced on their sides from onestation to another, a frame structure defining a course, a

cleansing station secured to the frame structure along the course, aprimary drying station along the course wherein pneumatic manifoldscontain individual outlets having working dis o ition complementary toother like outlets in the sta- .tion and to working elements of a seconddrying station; a secondary drying station in line with .the first saidstation, having a series of rotatable brushes, the disposition of eachof the brushes being suitable for complementary operation on thesurfaces of said containers, the disposition of the series of brushesbeing adapted to augment working disposition of elements of the primarydrying station through action on film accumulations; a tertiary dryingstation wherein at least one pneumatic manifold has a workingdisposition complementary to the said secondary drying station in linewith the second said drying station; and a final station whereinadvancing containers may be polished subsequent to drying.

8. In a machine for washing and cleaning cylindrical containers, meansfor washing the containers and for removing misplaced containers from anintroductory ramp, conveyor means for moving the containerslongitudinally of the device and for rotating the same on their sidessimultaneously with the longitudinal movement, a first pneumaticmanifold having upper and lower vents directed to sealed surfaces ofcontainers to remove cleansing fluid accumulations therefrom, alongitudinal pneumatic manifold complementary to the first manifoldhaving series of jets extending the length thereof and of varyinglengths, each of said jets being directed to an extended portion ofcylindrical wall of moving containers to effect the gradual skimming offilms of fluid therefrom, an opposed manifold structure adapted toremove accumulations of fluid from the bases of containers, each of saidpneumatic manifolds being disposed in complementary relation to eachother and to other working elements of the device, a first brushassembly comprising a series of rotatable brushes each having its axisin alignment with and adjacent to a path formed by the conveyor means,each said brush being adapted to remove excessive accumulations offluids from exposed surfaces of the containers and from the brushingelements through tangential centrifugal action, a fourth manifoldstructure aligned with the aforementioned operating means wherein jetsare directed to portions of advancing containers whereon accumulationsof fluid excesses have occurred due to functioning of the first seriesof brushes, a second series of brushes comprising an assemblysubstantially the same as the first qualified only by the ofisetting ofone of the brush members to reach curvilinear portions of containers nototherwise touched, the said latter brushing series being adapted topolish containers, means for actuating the conveyor element, means forcompressing air through the various manifolds, and means for actuatingthe brushes.

9. A container washing and drying device com,- prising an inclined framestructure, a ramp of opposed inclination to the frame structure, meanson the ramp for shifting containers inserted therein from normal tolateral position, means associated with the aforementioned turning meansto cleanse all surfaces of containers, one section of the ramp structurebeing spread to provide an exit for misplaced containers, an auxiliary'ramp structure disposed beneath the exit of the ramp, the said auxiliaryramp structure being of greater declivity than the introductory ramp,receptacle means associated with the auxiliary ramp, conveyor meansforming a path 1ongitudinally of the device and overlapping point ofjunction of introductory ramp structure and inclined frame structure,spaced pusher plates attached to the conveyor for rotatably advancingcontainers on-their' sides along said frame structure forwardly frompoint of junction of introductory ramp structure and inclined frame,guide means forming a path and support for the conveyor means, timingmeans associated with the conveyor means and attached to the inclinedframe structure disposed at point of junction between inclined frame andintroductory ramp structure, the said timing means providing for spacedgathering of containers received from the introductory ramp, a firstpneumatic manifold displaced forwardly of the timing means and attachedto the inclined frame structure, the said manifold having opposed ventseach of which is adjacent to and directed toward a path formed by theguide means, the said vents being adapted to remove cleansing fluidsfrom beneath overlapping sealed surfaces of said rolling containers, atubular manifold in direct alignment with the aforementioned firstpneumatic manifold, said tubular manifold having series of jets normalthereto directed toward the path defined by frame guide and conveyormeans and adapted to remove fluids from cylindrical surfaces ofcontainers, a third manifold opposed to the first and second having jetsdisposed at acute angle to the path of movement of the containers, thesaid opposed manifold serving to remove fluid excesses from bases ofcontainers; a first brushing assembly comprising a series of threebrushes, axes of which ar in direct alignment with path formed by aguide, each of the said brushes being designed to remove excessivefluids from the surfaces of containers complementary to application ofpneumatic pressures and toremove fluids from the brushing elementsthemselves, a fourth manifold structure in alignment with :theaforementioned fluid removing means containing a series-of jetsdirectedto portions of the containers intheipath'which accumulate fluidparticles after passage through the first brushing assembly, a secondbrushing assembly substantially the same as the first qualified byofisetting of one of the brushing members to enable polishing allcurvilinear surfaces of containers, means for actuating the conveyor,means for applying compressed air to the various manifolds, andmeans forimparting rotation to the brush assemblies.

110. A device according to claim 1 in which the cleansing fluid removalmeans comprise a pneumatic manifold containing series of complementarypneumatic jet units placed in the path 0f the rotating containers, afirst jet unit having one extension overhanging .and another extensionunderlying the path of the containers to "blow cleansing fluidaccumulations from the junction of cap and container neck, a secondjetseries having a plurality of jets directedangu- 'larly downwardtoward the rolling containers to :complement action of the firstsaidseries of jets und .a third seriesof jets complementary to thesecond series of "greater extension than the said second series to sweepthe accumulated cleansing fluids from the walls of the containers.

11. A=device=according -.to claim 4 in which the iseriesof pneumaticjets comprises a first jet unit having extension overhanging andunderlying the path of rolling-containers, a second jet unit-.complementary to the first for successive displacement of cleansingfluids from walls of the containers and lathirdjet series complementaryto the second to swee accumulated fluids "from ethe bases of containers.

:12. Adevice according to claim iin'which the series .of brushescomprise horizontally rotating brushes, :one said brush being rotatablein one "direction against bases of rolling containers, another saidbrush being rotatable-counter'directional to the vfirst brush againstcap portions of rolling containers and a third said brush beingrotatable in the same direction as the first to complement action of thesecond said brush all said brushes being operable through a commonlinkage element uniting the brushes to a common actuating means.

13. A device of the type defined in claim 7 in which the preliminarydrying station consists of at least four complementary jet units, afirstjet unit having overhanging and underlying jet vextensions forblowing cleaning fluids from the junction of cap and throat 'of rollingcontainers, a second jet unit complementary to the first and directedangularly from the junction of container cap and throat to containerwalls, a third series of jets complementary to the second to sweepaccumulated cleansing fluids from container walls and a fourth jet unitcomplementary to the third jet unit and having series :of jets idi"rected against bases of rolling containers for creating turbulences:atcontainer bases to :atom- 'ize and dispel residual vdepositsof'cleansing fluids from the container.

CHARLES L. BOWMAN. DONALD M. 'KINGSFORD.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,501,367 Wehmilleret al. Max-(21, 1950

